Monasticism

A letter from the Director of Vocations

Dearly Beloved in Christ,

When we think about monasticism all sorts of images come to mind.

We picture monks in black robes with long beards walking silently to the chapel for prayers. We see nuns with covered heads walking side-by-side in two straight lines as they disappear through the doors of the monastery.

We imagine all sorts of things about monasticism.

Regardless of whatever we may imagine, and regardless of whatever we may think about our images of monasticism, one fact remains: the monks are witnesses.

Women and men who take seriously their baptismal commitment and live that commitment radically -- these men and women are monks. The monk internalizes and lives the liturgical command to "commit ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God." The monk is the icon of Christian perfection.

Are you courageous enough to show our culture what Christian perfection really looks like, right here, right now?

Are you selfless enough to possess nothing of your own in the face of a consumerist culture that teaches you to determine your self-worth based on your net-worth?

Are you in love with Jesus Christ enough to consecrate the gift of your sexuality to him in the face of a culture that sensationalizes non-commitment and indulgent sexuality?

Are you dedicated enough to accept a life of total obedience to the Gospel in the face of a culture that glorifies "me and my way" as the only means to a so-called happy life?

To be a monk means to love passionately, to pray fervently and to live boldly the total commitment to Jesus Christ and to his Gospel of life. Our culture desperately needs the monk to show us what a relationship with God really looks like.

Our church needs the monks to show us what that relationship really looks like. The way the monks worship together shows the church how to pray. The way the monks live together, work together and hold all things in common show the church how to be community. The monks show the church how to be church.

So, if you have a deep personal relationship with God, love your Byzantine Catholic Church, and desire to live that love radically, maybe monasticism is for you.

Please spend some time exploring this site, and if you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. I would love to talk with you. Above all, continue to pray, and be assured of my prayers for you. BE NOT AFRAID!